Welcome to Close Call Sports. CCS objectively tracks and analyzes close and controversial calls in sport, with great regard for the rules and spirit of the game. Developed from The Left Field Corner: MLB Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (UEFL), whose purpose is to objectively track and analyze umpire ejections, video instant replay reviews and their corresponding calls, with great regard for the rules and spirit of the game.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Ejection 141: Dan Bellino (5)

1B Umpire Dan Bellino ejected Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine for arguing an out call in the bottom of the 5th inning of the Royals-Red Sox game. With one out and one on, Red Sox batter Dustin Pedroia hit a 1-0 changeup from Royals pitcher Will Smith to third baseman Tony Abreu, throw to first baseman Eric Hosmer for the out. Replays indicate Hosmer failed to catch the ball and legally tag prior to Pedroia contacting first base, the call was incorrect. At the time of the ejection, the Royals were leading, 4-3. The Red Sox ultimately won the contest, 8-6.

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Was Bellino straight-lined or did he just miss it? I cannot stand Bobby but he had a legitimate beef here. He has had some stupid ejections this year, Mike Everitt, but I would get tossed on this play as well. Bellino handled himself well as usual but it was not a good call. His strikezone has been much better this year but he still makes some very questionable calls on the bases. He always seems to call people out. I am not a big Bellino fan it is true but I will give him props for the way he handles ejections.

The Red Sox have had two ejection this year by Bellino this season as Mike Aviles was tossed for arguing a strike three call back in May against the Rays. The only reason that Bobby got tossed on the quick pitch by Everitt is because Adrian said something and Everitt's rabbit ears could hear it. (standing up for his players)

You really think Everitt had rabbit ears on those ejections. Give me a break. Gonzalez admitted to yelling "you suck Mike" If you don't eject for that than I don't know what you eject for. Bobby could have stood up for his player without getting tossed, it happens all the time. See Ron Washington, he seems to have mastered that. During that argument, Bobby was calm and then decided to get one more comment in. I don't know what that comment was, but it was clear Everitt was going to let him stay in the game. As for this ejection, I completely understand it. It was a horrendous call in a big moment of a game and they have had a rough season. Frankly I was surprised Pedroia didn't argue based on his charades with Nauert earlier this season. One thing is for sure, Valentine is terrible at arguing. Him and Mattingly are the Mike Quades of this year. They don't know how to argue without being ejected. You don't have to be yelling and demonstrative during every single argument. Why can't some Managers learn that.

So when someone yells "you suck" you should just ignore it. He said you so that is enough alone to get ejected and second of all you show me with your comments that you do not have any idea what the term rabbit ears means. That term, like rat, should be outlawed on this board. The use of both of those on this site is ridiculous.

@Russ, it looks as though they called "infield fly if fair." Then they called R1 out for interfering with F3's ability to field the fly ball. The interference supersedes the IF and the ball is dead immediately. From 2.00 INTERFERENCE (Comment): "In the event the batter-runner has not reached first base, all runners shall return to the base last occupied at the time of pitch." So the other runner went back to 2nd and the batter returned to bat. I think they got it right.

Russ, I have to agree with the announcers that it was indeed at nutty play. My take is that they got it right. You cannot have an infield fly on a foul ball, so Cruz would come back to the plate, and Either should have been and was called out for interference, had he not been parked in the way, Carlos Lee probably would have caught that ball. Though the ball is live on an infield fly, that call was negated, taking the interference call next, as soon as that is called the ball is dead, so Gonzales, is not in jeopardy to be put, for being off second base. They did get it right

It seems to me Tichenor has no clue what to do here. If the ball becomes dead immediately, you do not just stand there with your fist in the air signalling IF fly rule. You should try to kill the play and not make Davidson look silly calling out a runner at 3B.

Interference interpretation is that only one fielder can be actually fielding the ball. I do not think 1B was the acting fielder, I would have said that was C or maybe even P but 1B did not appear to be the fielder I would have given protection on that call, not all fielders get protection, even if 3 of them are in some way shape or form fielding the ball.

It was definitely a foul ball regardless, they did end up getting that right I do not think they should have had an out call.

If I read a post on these comment sections that mentions "rabbit ears" I picture the poster in one of two ways:1. Guy sitting on his couch with a (insert any given mlb team) cap on their had, jersey on their back and tattoo on their arm.2. Umpire who works most games on dirt infields, and has never dreamed of working on a field that wasn't enclosed by chain link fence.

i think on that play, the inning should've been over as soon as the ball hit fair,infield fly rule was definitely in affect, so that's the first out and the interference should've been the other out,had it gone foul, to me, eithier should be out for the interference,not sure what was called b/c i internet was running slow,

There was no infield fly the ball hit fair but rolled foul without anyone touching it making it a foul ball. umpires got it right. when was the last time there was a protest in mlb and the umpires were wrong? I bet none of us were born yet.

Hey anonymous, the earlier comment about having rabbit ears means your a bad umpire is totally false. If they say it loud enough, they're inviting you into the dugout! Take care of business! Anonymous, if you don't address that situation then YOU are a bad umpire and I don't want you working for me!

Bellino makes a ba call here but handles himself just as the book says pre and post ejection he gives an explanation gives bobby some rope and let's him hang himself. And I don't know how any umpire can have rabbit ears. If an ejectable word phrase or any combination of those two are said from the dugout and it is audible to the umpire you MUST eject. If you do not take care of the situation it will inflame into a much larger situation later, all it says is you will let players and managers walk all over you.

People who use the term "rabbit ears" are the same ones who think managers/players should be able to do and say whatever they want with no reprocussions. Like others have said, these guys don't take a bunch of garbage out of the dugout. If they did, the game would spiral out of control and they would get walked all over.

This call was not correct, but Bellino handled it well. Bobby V knows the noose is tightening and will do anything to make it appear that he is sticking up for his players.

Your beloved Red Sox suck and you have no business being on this board. Rabbit ears is used by people who think umpires should put up with a bunch of shit...if you don't want to get run.....STFU!!!!!!!!!!!!